Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, right, breaks a tackle by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Victor Butler during the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, in Arlington,

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (15) is nearly sacked by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Victor Butler (57) during their pre-season football game Thursday August 11, 2011 at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington,

Dallas Cowboys' Victor Butler (57) sacks Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (right) in the first half of their pre-season football game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, August 11, 2011.

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, right, breaks a tackle by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Victor Butler during the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, in Arlington,

In a series of one-on-one meetings with Butler, Ryan stressed to the third-year player that he'll be a key member of the sub-packages that feature extra pass rushers.

“You can be a big part of this defense,” Ryan told Butler, 24. “We want you to contribute, but you've also got to know your stuff. And we want you to be accountable. When it is fourth-and-1, and we want to get off the field, we want to know we can count on you to make plays.”

So far, Butler has delivered. In last week's win over Denver, he tied for the team lead in tackles with five, notched a tackle for a loss and almost sacked Tim Tebow.

“When you get that kind of confidence from a coach and that type of responsibility, you've got to live up to it,” Butler said.

A fourth-round pick in 2009, Butler has played in 31 games for Dallas, recording 32 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles. A respectable showing, but it's a far cry from fulfilling his potential.

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Things could change, though, with Ryan in charge.

“When I saw him on the tape, it was like, ‘Who is this guy? This guy is explosive,'” Ryan said. “I understand he is behind the best outside backer in football (DeMarcus Ware) and behind another excellent football player in (Anthony) Spencer. The kid can get frustrated in that role. But we've expanded his role, and he's been excellent. We think he's going to get better and better.”

Indeed, observers are already seeing a big difference in Butler, who seems much more relaxed and confident knowing he's been given a well-defined role from a coordinator who expects him to have a breakout season.

“Look at who I've got as a defensive coordinator,” Butler said. “How can you be nothing but relaxed? When you've got a guy who believes in you like your mother believes in you, you want to go out there and make plays.”

But it's not just Ryan's words that have Butler exuding confidence. He loves Ryan's “player-friendly” system, which calls for every player to have a role.

Another plus: Ryan's defense has linebackers attacking the quarterback from all angles.

“When you've got a guy who's taken the leash off you, letting the dogs hunt, it feels good as a defense,” Butler said. “There are no restrictions, there's no cage, there's no box — go hunt, go eat. Whoever's got the ball, kill 'em. I love it.”

With that said, you won't hear Butler complaining about the complexity of Ryan's 3-4 scheme.

“Defense is defense, man,” Butler said. “You hit people in the mouth. You sack the quarterback. You stop the run. You get them off the field on third downs.”

While Butler has clearly responded positively to Ryan's all-hands-on-deck philosophy, coach Jason Garrett believes there's another reason the Oregon State alum appears to be blossoming.

“(Butler) is a good fit with the new system, but maybe more than anything else, it's that he is now in his third year,” Garrett said. “He's seen it a couple of times now. It's time for him to step up and be a football player.”

No problem, said Butler, who acknowledged he's finally comfortable with the pro game.

“When I think of the level of focus and the accountability, it's just gone way up,” Butler said. “I mean, you know what you've got to do, you know how to do it now. So now it's just a matter of doing it the right way.”

Of course, it doesn't hurt to have a coordinator who wants to get him on the field as much as possible.

“(Butler) is playing behind a couple of guys who are awfully good, but that doesn't minimize his opportunity to continue to grow and have a role on our team,” Garrett said. “And Rob has certainly emphasized that for everybody. If you are part of our defense, you are going to have a role.

“(Butler) has really embraced that. He's playing with a lot more confidence, a lot more decisiveness, and he's making some plays out there. He looks good.”